Our Directors

Bob Tennyson, a New Jersey native, is a conductor and trombone player having a lifetime of diverse experience working with orchestras, concert bands, operas, musicals, and big bands. He holds undergraduate and master degrees in music performance and conducting from Indiana University and a Doctorate in trombone performance, conducting, and music history from the University of Maryland. During his career he has taught at several colleges and universities in New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D. C. As a trombonist he was active at the Shady Grove Music Theater, the National Theater, and the Kennedy Center Orchestra from 1970 to 1975. He also played with the National Gallery Orchestra and several popular big bands throughout metropolitan area. For many years he conducted the Potomac Pops Symphony Orchestra and was the Rockville Concert Band’s conductor from 1977 to 1994. In addition, while working in the Washington area Bob owned and operated a music contracting agency for over 15 years, leading big band groups from 8-18 pieces.

In 1994, Bob moved to Innsbruck Austria to work as a conductor and music professor. There he conducted two professional-level Symphonic Bands, several American musicals along with the Big Band Tirol and a big band for the Tirolean State School of Music. He also conducted at the Tirolean Conservatory and taught Jazz History at the University of Innsbruck.

Now retired and having returned to the Washington area, Bob is delighted to be associated with the Olney Big Band and looks forward to rehearsing the band and conducting them at their many engagements.